Insider: VW to Unveil Golf GTI VI in Paris

Continuing our 'Tour de Paris', we have just received word from our European inside sources that along with the more humble versions of the sixth generation Golf, VW will also take the wraps off the highly-anticipated 2009 Golf GTI at the Paris motorshow. Unfortunately we weren’t able to obtain any official information (or unofficial for that matter) on the GTI’s powertrain options. Most likely, the range-topping Golf will get the latest version of the VW Group’s 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI engine channeled through a six-speed manual or the highly acclaimed DSG dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission.

Paris Show Lexus IS Coupe-Cabriolet now has a name: IS 250 C

It won’t be long before Lexus makes it official that it will present the highly-anticipated coupe-cabriolet version of the IS along with the facelifted sedan variants at the Paris show next month, but we thought we’d update our story (see here) as we just learned that the convertible model with the retractable rooftop will be named IS 250 C. That means of course that the Paris show car will be equipped with the IS 250’s 2.5-liter V6 engine that develops 204HP but the range will apparently also include the IS 350’s 306 HP 3.5-liter V6 unit. As for a top-of-the-line IS-F C version, that remains to be seen.

Insider: Audi to Reveal A1 5door Hatch Concept in Paris

Audi has already confirmed that its long-awaited MINI rival, the A1, will find its way into showrooms by the end of 2009 / early 2010 (depending on the market). The German firm gave us a first glimpse of its new city car at last year’s Tokyo Auto Show with the 3door A1 Metroproject quattro concept but now Carscoop’s has learned that Audi will take the wraps off a 5-door version of the A1 at the Paris Auto Show in October. Our inside sources report that the Paris Show concept car will be closer to the production version than the A1 shown in Tokyo. -Continued

The new Audi A1 will be developed on the VW group's new MQB modular architecture for small and mid-sized cars with transverse engines. Expect to see front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions as well as a top-of-the-line S1 model equipped with one of the latest TSI engines from the VW Group developing over 200HP.

Rendering: Carscoop

Production Chevrolet Volt to be Unveiled on September 16th

Yesterday, Autonews reported that General Motors is planning to show a production model of its Chevrolet Volt electric vehicle this month as part of the automaker’s upcoming 100-year anniversary celebration. We took the liberty of contacting a few sources of ours who not only confirmed the report but they also told us that the production Chevrolet Volt will be officially unveiled on Tuesday, September 16. Though this has not been confirmed by GM, our people also told us that the production Volt will make its debut at the Paris Show along with another Chevrolet Concept car and the new Cruze subcompact sedan -see photos here.

Mercedes-Benz to Unveil CLK Shooting Brake Concept in Paris

The undisputed star attraction at Mercedes-Benz’ Paris Motor Show stand will be a new concept car called the CLK Shooting Brake. Essentially a sporty three-door model with an elongated rear-end, the CLK Shooting Brake will preview the new look of the next generation CLK coupe and cabriolet models that are expected to hit the market in 2009. Despite rumors that Mercedes may actually build a production version of the Shooting Brake, chances are that the Germans will stick to the traditional coupe and cabriolet models, at least for this generation CLK. According to Carscoop’s sources, we should see the first official photos and details of the Shooting Brake concept hitting the web sometime next week.

Insider: Lexus to Unveil IS Coupe-Cabriolet at Paris Show

That Lexus was plotting a rival for BMW’s 3-Series Cabriolet and the forthcoming Audi A5 Convertible, is something that we have known for quite some time now. What’s new is that Carscoop’s sources can confirm that along with the facelifted IS sedan models, Lexus will also take the wraps off the long-awaited IS Coupe-Convertible at the Paris Motor Show on October 2. Our insiders report that although the drop-top IS will be branded as a concept, the moniker is misleading as with the exception of a few minor details, the show car won’t differ from the production version. -Continued

Like the BMW 3-Series Cabriolet and the forthcoming Infiniti G37 Coupe-Cabriolet (see here), the IS Coupe-Convertible will be equipped with a retractable hardtop. There’s no official word on powertrain options yet, but expect to see the same range of engines that are available in the IS sedan when the Coupe-Convertible enters production in mid-2009.

New VW Golf VI to be Revealed on Wednesday, August 6!

Mark your calendar on Wednesday, August 6th because that’s when Volkswagen will reveal the first official images of the all-new sixth generation Golf hatchback to the public. The new but at the same time, not so new looking (…) Golf VI will make it’s worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October with European sales scheduled to begin towards the end of the year. Stay tuned on CarScoop for more information on the new VW Golf.

2009 Ford KA to be officially Revealed on Friday – See it on CarScoop

When the clock strikes 12:00 am tonight (that’s Friday, August 1st), Ford will take the wraps off the 2009 KA revealing the first photos of its highly anticipated minicar that’s scheduled to make its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October. Since we’ve already seen the front quarter view of the Fiat 500 based KA –no thanks to U.K. sourced leak, what remains to be seen is the rear-end of the car and of course, the interior.

Unless some website or blog decides to do otherwise, we won’t break the embargo by showing you the two remaining pictures of the KA. What we can do though is tell you that Ford won’t be revealing any technical details or any significant information for that matter, on the new KA. (Picture edited by CarScoop)

Insider: Lotus to name new 2+2 Coupe “Evora”

Though this has not been officially confirmed, CarScoop has been tipped off that the all-new Lotus 2+2 Coupe, currently known as the project Eagle, will be named “Evora” when it makes its world debut at next week’s British Motor Show in London. The Evora will be available for order from spring 2009 as a 2+2 as well as a 2-seater. The basic versions will be equipped with a modified Toyota Camry 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 Hp. Click here to read more details on the new Lotus coupe.

Insider: Volkswagen Product Plan 2009 – 2011

We just got word from an inside source of ours on Volkswagen’s product plan for 2009 – 2011. First up is the new, sixth generation Golf (Rabbit in the States) that will be available in most European markets by early 2009. In the summer of the same year, VW will launch the next generation Polo that will compete in the supermini segment against the likes of the new Ford Fiesta and Peugeot 207. Towards the end of 2009, the German automaker will reveal the new Touran 7-seater minivan and the Golf Plus, both of which are based on the Golf. -Continued

In early 2010, Volkswagen will take the wraps off the all-new Passat Sedan and Station Wagon models while later in the year, the Germans will uncloak the second generation Touareg SUV that will go on sale in late 2010 or early 2011. Last up is the all new VW Beetle that will be available in most markets during the first quarter of 2011.

Lotus Eagle Teaser Picture – Official Debut at British Motor Show

The first all-new model to come out of the Lotus factory in 13 years, the Eagle, will be revealed on July 22 when the British Motor Show in London opens its doors to the members of the press. However, we managed to discover an official teaser image of the mid-engined 2+2 sports car that is rumored to be powered by a modified version of the Toyota Camry’s 3.5 V6 engine that in stock form produces 268Hp at 6,200 rpm and 248 lb.-ft. at 4,700 rpm.

Inside sources told Carscoop that the Japanese V6 engine will be offered in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. The Eagle will essentially replace the top-of-the-line Esprit that went out of production in 2004 as Lotus will market the 2+2 lightweight coupe above the Elise, Exige and Europa. -Continued

Talking about lightweight construction, the Eagle will utilize the proven technology used in the Elise family of vehicles as well as the Versatile Vehicle Architecture (VVA) shown as the APX (Aluminium Performance Crossover) Concept Vehicle.

At the Geneva Salon in March, Lotus showcased the front module of the Eagle’s chassis which consist of three distinct parts, with the centre occupant section being the largest. Bolted to this centre section are the rear sub frame to which the engine and rear suspension are attached and the front module that incorporates the bumper beam and side members.

Alfa Romeo Confirms MiTo GTA with 230Hp 1.8 Turbo

During the European media presentation of the MiTo in Italy, Alfa Romeo’s executives confirmed earlier reports of a top-notch sport version that will out power its strongest European rivals like the 197Hp Renault Clio RS, the 192Hp Opel Corsa OPC even the 211Hp MINI Cooper John Cooper Works.

According to a colleague of ours that attended the presentation, the Italian automaker's execs said that the MiTo GTA will be equipped with a turbocharged 1,750 cc (1.7-liter) turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine developing around 230Hp. -Continued

Power will be transferred to the front wheels with Alfa’s Q2 electronic system that simulates the effects of a limited-slip differential by making full use of the braking and stability control systems, promising to offer better traction and improved handling. Although Alfa’s execs didn’t reveal any more details, the 230Hp MiTo GTA should be able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in the low 6 second region. The MiTo GTA is expected to make its market debut in Europe towards the end of 2009.

Insider: BMW Z4 Concept Coming This Fall, X1 SUV Concept & 7-Series definitely at Paris

It’s going to be busy period for BMW this fall as Carscoop learned from inside sources that the Bavarian automaker will take the wraps off three very important vehicles this year. First up will be the all-new 7-Series luxury sedan and the X1 Concept, both of which will make their premier at the Paris Auto Show in October, followed by a new Z4 Roadster Concept.

The X1 Concept will preview a production version of a 1-Series based SUV/Crossover that will enter the market towards the end of 2009. The new X1 that will be built in BMW’s Leizpig factopry in Germany will be offered with a line-up of four and six-cylinder petrol engines along with four-cylinder turbocharged diesel units.

The most significant change for the all-new fifth generation 7-Series will be its more elegant design –in and out- as BMW seems to have learnt its lesson from the heavily criticized current generation model. Along with its newfound design, the all-new 7er will also boast new engine choices along with an array of high-tech systems. -Continued after the jump

Last but not least, the new Z4 Roadster. Believe it or not, the Z4 has actually been in production for six years now as it was first introduced in 2002. Our source told us that BMW will unveil a concept version of the next generation model this fall, without however clarifying whether or not the Z4 will make its debut in Paris.

We must say though that we find it hard to believe that BMW will unveil three new cars at one show, so we find it more reasonable that the Bavarian carmaker will premier the Z4 Concept at the Los Angeles Motor Show that opens to the public from November 21 to 30, 2008.

Either way, our source stated the production version will follow in 2009 more specifically, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 2009. In terms of design, expect the new Z4 Roadster to be partially inspired from the GINA Light Visionary model.

Nissan 370Z Unveiled During Presentation!

Thanks to a vivid Carscoop reader who wishes to remain anonymous, we now have the first (semi) official shot of the forthcoming Nissan 370Z. From what he told us, the camera-phone picture was shot during a recent Nissan event. Although the picture isn't of the best quality, it's apparent that the 370Z's design is more of an evolution of the current 350Z, albeit a bit more muscular.

Power will come from a revised version of the Infiniti G37's 3.7-liter V6 engine (hence the name 370Z), which should deliver somewhere in-between 330 and 350Hp. The rear-wheel-drive 370Z will be offered with both manual and automatic transmissions. The unveiling of the 370Z is expected to take place this fall at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 19. -Thanks for the pic "T"